The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on April 18, 2006, with Chairman Don Hover, Commissioner Andrew Lampe, Commissioner Mary Lou Peterson and Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present.

Executive Session – Negotiations – Commissioners
Commissioner Lampe moved to go into executive session at 9:00 AM for 30 minutes to discuss union negotiations. Motion was seconded and carried.

Open Session resumed at 9:30 AM

Update – Public Works
Frank Sautell and Bob Breshears

Frank asked that the Commissioners review the new Public Works organizational chart and noted the need for someone to do environmental permitting and grant writing.

Commissioner Lampe moved to direct Frank Sautell to create a new position and develop the needed job description and bring it back for review. Motion was seconded and carried.

Bid Opening – Soil Stabilizers – Public Works
Roadwise, Inc submitted two bids:

They apply product for $174,685

County appies $151,249

Commissioner Peterson moved to award the bid to Roadwise, Inc, in the amount of $174,685. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Supervisor’s Meeting – Public Works
The Commissioners explained their desire that the road crews work toward better working relationships with the public. They also asked that the chain of command is followed in order to keep everyone informed. They urged them to make comments addressing road requirements/needs when developments are being put in to be proactive.

Update – Fish and Wildlife
Dennis Beich

The Gray Squirrel Plan was discussed. The Commissioners expressed their concern that this plan did not have actual scientific data but was moved up on the list because there was a graduate student who had done a thesis on the gray squirrel. The map shows that most gray squirrels reside inside city boundaries. What then? Will we have to make habitat for them, and will this prevent any additional logging.

Dennis stated that he doesn’t see that it would stop logging, in that, only specific trees would be designated for habitat.

Commissioner Peterson replied that it still will place more restrictions on the logging industry. The plan has not been released yet for public comment, which will be the next step. The plan is intended to slow the decline of a threatened species. Commissioner Peterson asked how the squirrel population declined. Dennis stated that Fish and Wildlife has several potential land purchases in the works plus a few grants for conservation easements. There is a BPA and WWRP proposal on the Okanogan side of the Loup. One of the pieces of property is to put a bridge over to Driscol Island. Commissioner Peterson stated that the county has a piece of land and could partner with Fish and Wildlife to use it for access to the island. Dennis stated that conservation easements are the preferable way to protect wildlife. Regarding Salmon Recovery Plan, Dennis stated that NOAA Fisheries has yet to comment and they need to be urged to comment otherwise the plan is in danger. Commissioner Peterson urged Dennis to make sure that weed control is addressed.

Discussion – Wildlands Project
Tom Windsor presented a summary of the Wildlands Project. He stated that there are several things that may affect the county.

Motion - Consent Agenda
Commissioner Peterson moved approve the consent agenda items 1-5. Motion was seconded and carried.

Motion - Voucher Approval - Cmrs.
Vouchers certified and audited by the Auditing Officer as required by RCW 42.24.080 and those expense reimbursement claims certified as required by RCW 42.24.090 have been recorded on a list, and made available to the Board. As of this date, the Board did by unanimous vote approve the vouchers in the amount of $705,888.53 Warrant numbers 53810 through 54105. (attached)

Resolution 37-2006 – Transfer – Flood Control
Commissioner Lampe moved to approve Resolution 37-2006, transfer to Flood Control in the amount of $15,000. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)